The Pacific port of
Mazatlan is a great representation of
all that Mexico
has to offer—history, culture, tradition, and spectacular beaches.
Mexico's
second-largest coastal city is home to 600,000 inhabitants. Mazatlan
has a bull ring and a baseball stadium; three golf courses, including a 27-hole
championship course; the longest sea walk (malecon) in Mexico; the second-tallest
lighthouse in the world, and a wide assortment of accommodations.
Called the Pearl of the
Pacific, Mazatlan (translated as "land of
the deer") extends to the foot of the imposing SierraMadreMountains and is within
easy reach of several mining towns, including historic Cosala, which dates to
the 16th century.
Two main areas, Old Mazatlan (the city's historic district)
and the Golden Zone (where the city's main resorts are located) share seven
miles of golden sand coast.
The old part of town, which has been totally renovated, is
home to the Angela Peralta Theater, a 19th century architectural jewel that
plays a large role in the city's cultural life.
Other important historical monuments include the Basilica de
la Immaculada Concepcion,
a Baroque-style building whose 28 stained glass windows feature the Star of David
to honor the city's Jewish community, which heavily contributed to the Catholic
cathedral's completion. The ArcheologicalMuseum, RepublicPlaza, OceanMuseum,
Botanical Garden and Lighthouse are other places of interest that should not be
missed.
Three offshore islands serve as natural barriers that break
the surf into gentle waves before they reach sandy beaches that welcome
swimmers. In contrast, tall waves pound the coast that faces the open ocean,
making these beaches a favorite spot for surfers. Mazatlan
is also known worldwide as a first-class sports-fishing destination, and host
to one of the most extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations in the Western
Hemisphere.
Promoting Mazatlan
Mostly favored by sports fishermen from the West Coast and Texas, the destination is rapidly expanding into more U.S. markets
through its Houston and Dallas gateways and beyond, the result of a strong
promotional campaign to highlight the image of this unique port city. Insider
Agent Tips
"We have been successful in combining funds from the
federal and state government, the hotels, the wholesalers and the airlines to
form a strong team to promote Mazatlan.
We are very proud of the work performed by the wholesalers who are being very
proactive," says Carlos Berdegue, vice president of the Mazatlan Hotel
Association and Tourism Board.
"In the past three years, Mazatlan has tripled the budget for
advertising generated by a hotel room tax, which is solely dedicated to
international advertising and public relations," says Javier Paez, public
relations director for the Mazatlan Hotel Association.
Mazatlan
has 93,000 rooms, with 500 more scheduled to open in 2007.
Increasing Airlift
"We plan to start talking to all the airlines that
don't fly to Mazatlan to start negotiations with
them, and then close the deal at Tianguis (the annual spring tourism event in Acapulco)," says
Berdegue. "We are working with all the major airlines that fly here, and
we know the Hotel Association is also working with Mexicana to start a flight
from Chicago,"
he adds. "That means more marketing and vacation packages to warm up the Midwest market."
Non-stop service to Mazatlan is currently available from the
U.S. on AeroMexico, Mexicana, Aero California, Alaska, Continental, America
West, Aerolitoral, Aeromar and Frontier Airlines. In addition, Northwest
Airlines started service on Saturdays from Detroit
on January 28, and Delta Air Lines is scheduled to start daily non-stop service
from Salt Lake City
on March 8.
Seasonal charter service is also available from Salt Lake City, Minneapolis
and Dallas, as well as Vancouver,
Calgary, Edmonton
and Winnipeg.
Sue Zacharias, product development manager for Apple Vacations
([email protected]) ,
says she views the increase of scheduled airline flights to the destination as
an opportunity to increase Apple's business to this Pacific resort.
Helpful Sites for Agents
Tourism Information:
www.gomazatlan.com
www.cosala.com.mx
Hotel Association Properties:
Azteca Inn
Costa de Oro Beach Hotel
Costa Bonita Condominium and Beach Resort
El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
Playa Mazatlan
Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan
Riviera Mazatlan Beach Resort
Royal Villas Resort